Priory Magazine, Issue 7 (Spring 2022) by Saint Louis Priory School

THE MAGAZINE OF SAINT LOUIS PRIORY SCHOOL

Catholic Benedictine Education Retreat Program Page 16

SPRING 2022

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022 Save the Date!

ONE DAY. A LIFETIME OF IMPACT. YOUR GIFT MATTERS! Three Ways to Give 1. Priory.org/give 2. Venmo @STLPriory 3. 314.434.0783 On Wednesday, April 27, we invite you to partner with us on our PRIORY DAY OF GIVING. Each year more than 14 percent of the school’s operating budget comes from generous donors like you. Last year, 1,787 gifts were made to the Priory Fund. Donations to the Priory Fund support all aspects of the school’s daily life and offer tuition assistance to exceptional students. We ask you to prayerfully consider being part of this 24-hour online giving campaign.

F E AT U R E S

FROM THE HEADMASTER Dear Friends,

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Mike Nickolai, Class of 2003, embodies Benedictine values as alumnus, leader, and administrator.

What does a Benedictine education mean?

Monks transition to Portsmouth.

Unique Retreat Program helps develop student leaders.

SAINT LOUIS ABBEY JOURNAL

ON CAMPUS

ADVANCEMENT

ALUMNI

CLASS NOTES

Priory Magazine is published by: Communications Office Saint Louis Abbey and Saint Louis Priory School 500 South Mason Road St. Louis, MO 63141-8522 Questions, comments, or news tips and ideas for articles can be sent to Editor and Director of Communications and Public Relations, Cathy Arroyo, APR at carroyo@priory.org 314.434.3690, ext. 216.

A few years ago, I was invited to speak at the Portsmouth Institute on the topic of Catholic education. I was joined by a Dominican Sister and then University of Dallas President, Thomas Hibbs. Between us we covered a range of charisms, vocations, and educational specialties and spoke as a panel to the mission of Catholic education in the 21st century. One thing that struck me was the strength of the evangelical commitment that each of us shared. No matter the age of our students, our personal vocation, or the charism of our institution, we each believed that Catholic education was fundamentally about leading young souls in the path of salvation. At the same time, our differences were striking: my Dominican colleague stressed the need to help children recognize God’s love and gain a basic understanding of the faith, while Professor Hibbs prioritized the intellectual life and the need to bring Christian principles to bear on the world. I, on the other hand, shared that the Benedictine approach to education was primarily experiential, directed to the discovery of God’s creation and deriving its strength from the relationships that students and educators forged through, in, and with Jesus Christ. The experience we offer at Priory — of seeking God, of delighting in his creation, and of loving Jesus in the lifelong relationships that we forge — is emblematic of a particular Benedictine approach to Catholic education. It is subtle, hard to describe, but transformative for all who share in it. I hope that you enjoy delving deeper into our charism in this edition of the Priory Magazine. May it remind you of the myriad ways that God continues to work through us for the good of all his people. As St. Paul has written, “Let our boast be in the Lord.” With prayers,

Father Cuthbert Elliott, O.S.B., ‘02 Headmaster

ALUMNI PROFILE

Priory Alumnus S H A R E S FA I T H A N D L OV E F O R A L M A M AT E R Brother. Athlete. Student. Alumnus. Teacher. Coach. Administrator.

ike Nickolai ’03 has worn many hats at Saint Louis Priory School and made a great impact on the community.

Student At Priory “I first remember Mike as a friendly, eager-to-learn youngster at Priory soccer camp before he even began as a student,” says Priory Associate Director of College Counseling and Coach, John Mohrmann. “Later, I was fortunate to work with him in English class and in soccer. During his years as a student, he was a truly exceptional thinker and writer, demonstrating his creative gifts in countless ways. He excelled in creative writing in class; he wrote the scripts for STUCO skits; and he composed a full-length play for his senior exhibition.”

During his time as a student, Nickolai was about as involved as any student could be. He served as a STUCO officer and varsity soccer captain, and he also led in so many other more subtle ways, according to Mohrmann. “He was one of those rare students who struck just the right mix of seriousness and humor and managed to get along with all students and teachers, all while embracing the spiritual mission of the school. I truly believe Mike was the quintessential Priory student, and he has become the ideal teacher and administrator.” Nickolai says he loved being at Priory. “I even enjoyed the academic challenges. I developed my full potential at Priory. My friends from seventh and eighth grade Advisory are my friends to this day.”

A Lifelong Community of Support In May 2001, Nickolai and three classmates were in a serious car accident. He says the care that he and his family felt is something he will never forget. “The teachers, monks, and my friends and their families were there for us. This community supports you.” After graduating from Priory in 2003, Nickolai graduated from Washington University in St. Louis. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree double majoring in English literature and film studies, while also minoring in French. After his undergraduate studies, he worked in Washington, D.C., as a faculty member of a high school leadership program.

Mike Nickolai ’03 senior picture 4

It was there Nickolai met his wife, Megan. In 2008, he moved to Athens, Georgia, and enrolled in a graduate program in English education at the University of Georgia. Nickolai speaks fondly of being a part of the lifelong community that Priory affords students and their families. When he got married, Father Michael Brunner, O.S.B. married the couple. Thirteen members from his graduating class attended his wedding. “Many of my Priory friends traveled 500 miles to come to my wedding. The friendships you form at Priory are very special,” he says.

“ I developed my full potential at Priory. My friends from seventh and eighth grade Advisory are my friends to this day.” — Mike Nickolai ‘03

Returning To Priory When Nickolai was in the master’s program at the University of Georgia, Mohrmann called him to let him know about a teaching job that was opening at Priory. “I had stayed in touch with John, and he suggested I should interview for the English teacher position,” says Nickolai. “In the spring of 2010, I came to interview and got the job. We got engaged in May. Megan still had one year left in law school, so we had a long-distance relationship for a little while. She took the Missouri Bar exam and has been working in St. Louis since.”

“Priory is my spiritual home,” Nickolai added. “The people here who know you really care for you. The monks have been there for us through a lot of family events. I knew I could always come back to Priory as a spiritual center.”

Nickolai and his wife have three children. Sadie is 7 years old, Mary Margaret is 5 years old, and Jack is 2 years old. Their parish is Christ the King in University City. Nickolai’s extended family has been a part of the Priory community for many years as well. “My uncles went to Priory and my grandma was a big supporter. My oldest brother started at Priory when I was 4 years old. The monks have been a part of my entire life. Priory has always been very connected to my family.”

Mike Nickolai ‘03 with his wife Megan and children Sadie, Mary Margaret and Jack 5

“ Mike is an excellent example of demonstrating the Benedictine Hallmark of Love of God and Neighbor.” — Jon-Pierre Mitchom, Director of Equity and Inclusion

Dedication Headmaster Father Cuthbert Elliot, O.S.B., ’02, says Nickolai makes sacrifices daily for the people he loves. “Mike is principled, kind, and devoted to expressing his faith through service. He exemplifies the servant-leader we are all called to be.” Another way Nickolai has shared his devotion to his faith and to Priory is by being a part of the International Commission on Benedictine Education (ICBE) and the Benedictine Leadership Institute (BLI). The programs allow him to learn and share with others. The ICBE is a group of Benedictine educators from 23 schools. It is designed to share best practices and allow members to get to know one another.

After attending a conference with the group in Rome and meeting people from all over the world, he thought it was time for him to share what he had learned with Priory faculty and staff. “It got me thinking — what does a Benedictine education mean?” says Nickolai. “I really enjoyed it. I hadn’t thought beyond the monks being here.” This past summer he organized a colloquium for Priory faculty and staff, and he hopes to grow the program. According to Priory’s Director of Equity and Inclusion, Jon-Pierre Mitchom, “The colloquium was invaluable. I’m sure at times we need a reminder of ‘The Why’ of what we’re doing here at Priory and what the mission is at hand. The colloquium addressed this need with great depth and insight. It was also nice to see colleagues in a different light.” Mitchom continued, “Mike is an excellent example of demonstrating the Benedictine Hallmark of Love of God and Neighbor. His dedication to our Catholic and Benedictine identity is shown through his involvement with Tutoria and our Chaplaincy programming. His interaction with students, parents, and faculty is imbued with the kind of love for neighbor that we read about in the holy scriptures.” “Mike exemplifies the Benedictine leader through his deep faith and his love and care for the students. Whether as an English teacher, JV soccer coach, STUCO moderator, or administrator, Mike embodies the true mission of Priory through his support of the academic, social, and spiritual purpose,” says Mohrmann. “And now, after many years, in addition to his tireless dedication to the school, he sets the most powerful example of Christian love and goodness through his faithful dedication as husband, father, friend, teacher, and colleague.”

Mike Nickolai ’03 at the 2021 Priory Golf Scramble

BEING A BENEDICTINE SCHOOL MEANS… … We take a holistic approach to developing our young men by putting programs in place that will cultivate their mind, body, and spirit throughout their time here at Priory. Phil Brotherton Mathematics Teacher and Assistant Director of Athletics

… Welcoming each student as Christ. Father Augustine Wetta, O.S.B. Chaplaincy Team and Faculty Member

… Being proud of our Catholic faith. We take pride in who we are and what we believe in. Julie Winkeler Enrollment Specialist

… Providing both a Christ-centered experience in which students are invited to explore their relationship with God, and a challenging yet rewarding academic experience. Steve Zaegel Theology Teacher and Head Baseball Coach

… Being a community formed by the love of God in Christ and handing on that love to its members. Monks and lay faculty in their different ways mediate to their students the love of Christ which helps each one become aware of his unique dignity and develop his special gifts. Students in a Benedictine school are trained to see the unity of human and revealed truth and are thus fitted to contribute to making the world a more human place. Father Laurence Kriegshauser, O.S.B.

… Always trying your best. No matter what. God didn’t make mediocre anything. Dr. Doug Erwin Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair and Theatre Director

… We try and follow Benedict’s precept to “be Christ” for one another and to “see Christ” in each other. Benedict also had a vision that everything in this world is holy and should be treated that way (as if they all were vessels on the altar). Imagine what our school would be like if we observed these three things! Abbot Gregory Mohrman, O.S.B., ‘76

M A I N F E AT U R E

Being ‘Benedictine’ The Priory Experience is Uniquely Community-Focused, Relational

What is it that makes a Benedictine education Benedictine? “There’s no concise, easy-to-digest ‘brand promise’ for Benedictine education,” Priory Headmaster Father Cuthbert Elliott, O.S.B., ’02 acknowledges, using the contemporary marketing term for a short phrase that describes the essence of a brand’s benefits. Benedictine, he says, “is pointing to something that you don’t define easily — you just live it out.” In that sense, Priory is an experience lived by its students that is unique. That consistent, formative experience, rooted in Benedictine values and practices, is what has drawn students and families to Priory for decades. Like Father Cuthbert, Mike Nickolai ’03 is a Priory alumnus. Today he serves as assistant head of school for human and spiritual formation, and he recognizes the beneficial qualities of the Benedictine-rooted Priory experience.

Nickolai says his formative time as a student was especially positive. “One of my goals is that all students have the kind of experience that I had at Priory.”

Rooted in the “12 Hallmarks” Any discussion of Priory’s Benedictine identity should start with a reference to an important document penned several years ago by another Priory alumnus, Abbot Gregory Mohrman, O.S.B., ’76. Abbot Gregory’s “12 Hallmarks of a Benedictine School,” which today are posted in the school building and accessible on Priory’s website at priory.org/about, invite reflection on the most important elements of a Benedictine education. They include:

LOVE GODOF GOD PRAYER AND ANDLISTENING LISTENING DISCIPLINE LOVE OF GODOF LOVE PRAYER AND PRAYER LISTENING DISCIPLINE DISCIPLINE AND NEIGHBOR WORSHIP AND NEIGHBOR AND NEIGHBOR WORSHIP WORSHIP LOVE OF GODOF GOD PRAYER ANDOF AND LISTENING LOVE PRAYER LISTENING LOVE GOD PRAYER AND AND NEIGHBOR WORSHIP AND NEIGHBOR WORSHIP AND NEIGHBOR WORSHIP

LOVE OF GOD AND NEIGHBOR

PRAYER AND LOVE OF LOVE GODOF GOD WORSHIP AND NEIGHBOR AND NEIGHBOR

AND SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY HOSPITALITY STEWARDSHIP MORALMORAL AND SPIRITUAL MORAL AND SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY COMMUNITY HOSPITALITY HOSPITALITY STEWARDSHIP STEWARDSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND STABILITY DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT AND STABILITY AND STABILITY MORAL AND SPIRITUAL MORAL AND SPIRITUALCOMMUNITY COMMUNITY HOSPITALITY MORAL AND SPIRITUALHOSPITALITY COMMUNITY LISTENING DISCIPLINE DEVELOPMENT AND STABILITY DEVELOPMENT AND STABILITY DEVELOPMENT AND STABILITY LOVE OF LOVE GODOF LOVE GODOF GOD PRAYER PRAYER AND PRAYER AND ANDDISCIPLINE LISTENING LISTENING LISTENING DISCIPLINE DISCIPLINE DISCIPLINE PRAYER PRAYER AND AND LISTENING LISTENING DISCIPLINE AND NEIGHBOR AND NEIGHBOR AND NEIGHBOR WORSHIP WORSHIP WORSHIP WORSHIP WORSHIP

HUMILITY OBEDIENCE CONVERSION HUMILITY HUMILITY OBEDIENCE OBEDIENCE WORK WORK WORK CONVERSION CONVERSION MORAL AND SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY HOSPITALITY STEWARDSHIP HUMILITY OBEDIENCE WORK HUMILITY OBEDIENCE WORK MORAL MORAL AND COMMUNITY SPIRITUAL MORAL AND SPIRITUAL AND SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY HOSPITALITY HOSPITALITY HOSPITALITY STEWARDSHIP STEWARDSHIP STEWARDSHIP HUMILITY OBEDIENCE MORAL MORAL AND SPIRITUAL AND SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY HOSPITALITY HOSPITALITY STEWARDSHIP STEWARDSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND STABILITY DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT AND STABILITY AND STABILITY AND STABILITY DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT AND STABILITY AND STABILITY

HUMILITY

OBEDIENCE HUMILITY HUMILITY

WORK CONVERSION HUMILITY HUMILITY HUMILITY OBEDIENCE OBEDIENCE OBEDIENCECONVERSION WORK WORK WORK CONVERSION CONVERSION CONVERSION OBEDIENCE OBEDIENCE WORK WORK CONVERSION

All-school Mass at Priory is held on Friday mornings where the community comes together to support the mission of a Catholic, Benedictine education. 8

DISCIPLIN DIS LIS

STEWARDS STEW HOS

CONVERSIO CON

Nickolai says the “12 Hallmarks” were recently a topic in student advisory meetings to try to get students thinking about what it means to be a Benedictine school. “We want them to think about the things we do and what we focus on that make us Benedictine.” It’s not just Priory students who are reflecting on the “12 Hallmarks.” Nickolai is a participant in the Benedictine Leadership Institute, which brings together leaders from the 23 Benedictine high schools in the United States. “All of the schools are familiar with the Hallmarks. A common talking point is ‘How do we live the Hallmarks?’ ‘How do we talk about the Hallmarks or show them in our schools?’” he says. In 2019, Nickolai was asked to serve as a North American delegate to the International Commission of Benedictine Educators, a group with representatives from all over the world that meets every three years. “A lot of the work that we do is trying to identify what it means to be a Benedictine educator,” Nickolai says. “How do we use the Rule [of St. Benedict] to inform what we’re doing in our schools, and what other Benedictine traditions can we use and adapt to make our experiences something unique?”

Tutoria Builds Community One element of the Priory experience is Tutoria, which Priory adopted about 20 years ago from the Benedictine-oriented Manquehue Apostolic Movement in the South American country of Chile.

charge,” Nickolai emphasizes. “There are no adults. They lead Lectio Divina, they pray, they might do intentions, and then they play.” The combination of prayer and play is important, Nickolai emphasizes. “There has to be both. You must have the prayer – you can’t just go straight to play – because prayer is the heart of what Tutoria is,” Nickolai says. “But the playing is where friendships form and where [the boys] really get to know each other.” “We try to create that in the narrow window of prayer and play each week,” Nickolai says, “but it continues to exist outside of that 45-minute period.” He describes it as a “spiritual big-brother relationship.” “You witness Tutoria every day. It’s a senior walking down the hallway saying ‘hi’ to a seventh grader. He knows his name, and he knows something about him because they’re in a Tutoria group. It’s an enriching thing to witness,” Nickolai says.

“Tutoria is not a program,” Nickolai emphasizes. “It’s actually a relationship.” Tutoria connects Priory’s Form I and II students with High School students for 45 minutes every Thursday morning for communal prayer and play. The prayer is primarily Lectio Divina (Latin for “divine reading”), a traditional monastic practice of Scripture reading, and meditation intended to promote communion with God and increase the knowledge of God’s Word. The Junior School students are divided into eight Tutoria groups, each led by five or six high school boys who serve as tutors. Nickolai meets briefly with the tutors each week before they go to lead their groups. “In those rooms, the tutors are in

“ It’s an attitude toward education that is more about discovering and delighting in the mysteries of God and the universe.” — Father Cuthbert Elliott, O.S.B., ‘02

“It means building up a pedagogy that is fundamentally relational,” Father Cuthbert notes. “Marked not only by wise teaching but also the correct example.” Running throughout it, he says, is the expectation that each Priory student will have several truly formative relationships where he is really accompanied in his growth, as an older monk would accompany a younger monk in the monastery.

Building Up Relationships in Love

A statue of St. Benedict overlooks campus near the monastery.

Noting that “community is an essential component of the Benedictine school,” Father Cuthbert calls Tutoria “one of the primary ways in which the Benedictine charism is lived” at Priory.

An Extension of the Monastery Saint Louis Priory School is an extension of Saint Louis Abbey, Father Cuthbert says. And, as in a monastery, Priory should be a community where time is divided appropriately between prayer, work, study, and leisure. Just like a monastery, the older members of the community increasingly take responsibility for the formation of the younger members. Indeed, a consistent theme articulated in Priory’s new strategic plan is the fostering of a strong community life. Father Cuthbert says, “That includes the ways in which we build up a relationship with Jesus Christ and with one another, and the ways in which we form students marked by a thoughtful balance of prayer, work, study, and leisure. It’s an attitude toward education that is more about discovering and delighting in the mysteries of God and the universe.” “What we teach needs to be life-giving, not just college-preparing,” Father Cuthbert emphasizes. “Whatever kind of education we’re providing, it needs to be preparation for life, not just preparation for college.”

As part of the development of Priory’s strategic plan, Nickolai led a task force on the school’s culture. Among the group’s considerations were how Priory can even more effectively articulate to students and parents what it means to be a Benedictine school, and how that can be lived out by Priory families. “The more explicitly Benedictine we are in our philosophy, the more we meet the emerging need that parents are identifying, which is about providing a structured environment where their son(s) will make friends, and get the attention that they need to grow, develop, and be challenged,” Father Cuthbert says. Nickolai agrees: “You’re going to be challenged academically. You’re going to be challenged athletically. You’re going to have a very strong spiritual component to your formation as well, through Mass, assemblies, retreats, community service. All these things are going to stretch you in different directions. And, in doing that, you’re going to discover your full potential, and areas of strength, and who you want to be – all while in this community that very much cares about you and wants you to get to that point.” “Our belief,” Father Cuthbert summarizes, “is that we have a distinct, Benedictine way of living and interacting with one another, and therefore of modeling for others how to live well. And that’s what we believe we can pass on to the boys, in addition to math and science and French and whatever else.” “It’s really simply about building up relationships in love,” Father Cuthbert says. “That’s the end goal ultimately, and everything else is just the means in which those meaningful relationships are crafted and through which the students learn how to be a force of transformation in the world.” “That’s what we hope we inspire.”

Benedictine Worldview I

Through events, publications, and scholarship, the Portsmouth Institute for Faith and Culture reframes public discourse through

Places like Saint Louis Abbey, Priory, and our peer institutions across the world strive to be communities where Benedictine spirituality permeates the culture within their walls. But how can that unique take on Christian living be spread more broadly, and benefit our friends and communities beyond our campuses? That question brought about a joint venture between Portsmouth Abbey and our monastic community in St. Louis: the Portsmouth Institute for Faith and Culture. Founded in 2008 by Portsmouth alumnus James MacGuire, the Institute’s mission is to, “promote the exploration of Catholic thought and the restoration of Christian culture in the spirit of St. Benedict, our patron.” The Institute aims to foster a Catholic intellectual community, to promote dialogue and research about the best way to promote the Christian worldview and ethical framework in a rapidly secularizing world, and to grapple with how faith and public policy intersect. At Priory, our curriculum rests on the idea that a young man is best served by receiving a broad-based education in the liberal arts, and that in each of those disciplines he can find truths that will enrich his relationship with God. The Portsmouth Institute seeks to expand that truth-seeking philosophy and multi-disciplinary approach to the world more broadly. In its mission statement, the Institute recognizes, “It was in the spirit of imagination, receptivity and devotion that Benedictine monasteries became centers for learning across Europe in the Middle Ages. The monks thus gave birth to a new, Christian form of learning: one where ‘Christ is all and is in all.’ The belief that Christ could be found in prayer, the Divine Office, Lectio Divina, liturgy,

exegesis, poetry, philosophy, art, sacred music, encounters with nature: this belief is central to the Benedictine life. It also animates the programs and publications of the Portsmouth Institute.” The Institute, now led by Portsmouth Abbey School humanities teacher Chris Fisher and housed at Portsmouth Abbey, undertakes several works in furtherance of its mission: •H osts seminars and retreats, including events designed specifically for Catholic educators. •P ublishes books and resources on topics relating to faith in public life. •S upports scholars through its fellowship program. •H osts its annual summer conference, featuring nationally known speakers and scholars. In addition, the Institute offers the Oxford Summer Program for students at Priory and Portsmouth Abbey. This 10-day experience of living at St. Benet’s Hall, Oxford, includes instruction from Oxford professors in the humanities, visits with prominent scholars and experts, and opportunities for personalized tours of Oxford, Westminster Abbey in London, and other nearby sites. Many members of the Priory faculty and staff have had the opportunity to undertake professional development and personal formation through the Institute. Some have attended the summer conferences over the past few years, and our own Father Augustine Wetta, O.S.B., is one of the Institute’s senior fellows. Abbot Gregory, Father Cuthbert and Jim Switzer ’64 sit on the Institute’s steering committee.

F E AT U R E S T O RY

“ There is more work to be done.”

Father Edward Mazuski, O.S.B., ’05, Portsmouth Abbot Michael Brunner, O.S.B., and Brother Sixtus Roslevich, O.S.B. in the Saint Louis Abbey monastery celebrating with their brothers after the official transfer of their vows.

Continuing a partnership, three monks transfer vow of stability to Portsmouth Abbey Ora et labora – prayer and work – are at the heart of Benedictine life. It turns out that ora et labora also were very much at the heart of the recent decision of three monks to each transfer their lifelong vow of stability from Saint Louis Abbey to Portsmouth Abbey in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. The three monks, who were part of the monastic community at Saint Louis Abbey for a combined 50-plus years, are former Saint Louis Priory School headmaster and St. Anselm Parish pastor Father Michael Brunner, O.S.B.; Brother Sixtus Roslevich, O.S.B.; and Priory alumnus Father Edward Mazuski, O.S.B., ’05. Each originally had accepted an assignment to serve temporarily at Portsmouth Abbey as part of a unique partnership into which the St. Louis and Rhode Island monasteries entered five years ago. The partnership had as its aim the reinvigoration and strengthening of the monastic life within the venerable Portsmouth Abbey community, which was declining in numbers and increasing in age. “Gradually it became clear that this mission posting had gone beyond the limits of being temporary,” Brother Sixtus says. “The three of us discussed it, prayed about it individually and collectively, and felt it was a permanent move. There is more work to be done.”

“A Natural Outcome” When the partnership between the monasteries was announced in 2016, it was described as “a blessing for both monasteries” and “a rare opportunity to extend the hand of friendship and fraternal charity in a particularly important way to another member of our English Benedictine Congregation.” Abbot Gregory Mohrman, O.S.B., ’76, in announcing the news of the three St. Louis monks’ transfers of their vow of stability, noted, “It is in no way a rejection of Saint Louis Abbey, but rather a natural outcome of our partnership with Portsmouth Abbey.

The Rhode Island monastery, when it was known as Portsmouth Priory, played an important role in the creation of Saint Louis Priory School in the early 1950s. Supportive members of its monastic community served as a conduit to Ampleforth Abbey in England, which eventually sent three of its monks to establish Saint Louis Priory School and the monastic community that became Saint Louis Abbey. The two monasteries have remained well connected. For many years, Saint Louis Abbey and Portsmouth Abbey have collaborated in the Portsmouth Institute for Faith and Culture, which has as its mission “to promote the exploration of Catholic thought and the restoration of Christian culture in the spirit of St. Benedict, our patron.” Saint Louis Abbey also recently hosted and helped prepare a Portsmouth Abbey novice, Brother Benedict Maria, O.S.B. “This monastery-to-monastery relationship came to me as a surprise,” Brother Benedict says on the Portsmouth Abbey website. “I loved my novitiate time in Saint Louis Abbey. I enjoyed every bit of it and all the classes taught by monks. My heart expanded in St. Louis to accept the community as a large family.”

“ I loved my novitiate time in Saint Louis Abbey. My heart expanded in St. Louis to accept the community as a large family.” — Brother Benedict Maria, O.S.B.

“ And so again, the missionary zeal of the Benedictine way of life continues in surprising ways.” — Abbot Gregory Mohrman, O.S.B., ‘76

“The Only Way Forward” In 2017, prior to being elected abbot, then-Father Gregory was named PriorAdministrator of Portsmouth Abbey. A year later, following his election as Abbot of St. Louis, Abbot Gregory was succeeded by Father Michael in the Portsmouth Prior-Administrator role, and Father Michael relocated to live with the monastic community there and chair Portsmouth Abbey School’s Theology department. In addition to Father Michael, three other monks of Saint Louis Abbey have served in Portsmouth. Father Francis Hein, O.S.B., taught for three years and led campus ministry at Portsmouth Abbey School. He returned to Saint Louis Abbey in June 2020. Brother Sixtus assists in a variety of monastic roles at Portsmouth including Sacristan, Liturgist, and Oblate Director. Father Edward resided at Portsmouth while undertaking postgraduate studies at Harvard University. He currently serves as Portsmouth’s Secretary, Junior Master, cantor, and is a mathematics teacher at Portsmouth Abbey School. “My hope moving forward is that both communities will grow, first in holiness, then in numbers, and I believe that it will be essential that we continue to work together in order to achieve this,” Father Edward says. “I believe that God wills for both Portsmouth Abbey and Saint Louis Abbey to succeed and, provided we open ourselves to His grace, will make that happen.”

Calling his transfer-of-stability decision “the only way forward,” Father Michael says, “I prayed a lot over the matter, and it seemed God was asking me to do this. At this stage of my life, I don’t say no to God.”

“God is Surprising” In his homily in the Abbey Church at a Farewell Mass for the three monks on November 21, 2021, Abbot Gregory noted that “God is surprising in the path that His Providence sets for all of us.” “One of the greatest surprises you might find is, for those of us called to the monastic life, who seek a community of stability to pursue a life of prayer and service and work in one particular place for the rest of our lives, God will call us to move,” says Abbot Gregory. “And yet, how often is that the case. He called Augustine to move to Canterbury. He called Boniface to move to Germany. He called three monks, not so many years ago, to move from Ampleforth to here. And in some very ironic way, he’s called three of our monks to move to Rhode Island.” The abbot continued: “One of the remarkable things about the Benedictine way of life is, for all of its contemplative core and its emphasis on stability, it is remarkably evangelical and missionary in its way of life. Augustine’s foundation at Canterbury converted the people of England. Boniface converted the people of Germany. And I don’t know whether we can say that Father Columba and Father Timothy and Father Luke converted us in St. Louis, but they certainly had a tremendous impact on our faith and our way of experiencing the Church in this world and in this time.” “And so, too, our brothers who go to Portsmouth will have an impact on the life of the community there – an amazing impact – and that will flow out onto the life of the students who live there and study there, on their families, on the alumni of that great school,” Abbot Gregory says. “And so again, the missionary zeal of the Benedictine way of life continues in surprising ways.”

Portsmouth Abbey Abbot Michael Brunner, O.S.B.

Brother Sixtus Roslevich, O.S.B.

Father Edward Mazuski, O.S.B., ’05

On January 17, the monks of Portsmouth Abbey elected Fr. Michael Brunner, O.S.B. as their fourth abbot.

R E T R E AT P R O G R A M

Finding Space for the Mind and Heart Priory’s Chaplaincy Team works to give students space to grow in their relationship with God and their classmates during annual off-campus retreats. “Jesus said to them, `Come away with me. Let us go alone to a quiet place and rest for a while.’” — Mark 6:31

he life of a Priory student in 2022 seems a lot more hectic than it might’ve been in times past. Social media, the deluge of information flowing at them from the internet, the increasingly competitive and stressful college application process, and a string of “unprecedented” events in the news — all of this can be dizzying to a teenager who’s still trying to discover who he’s called to be. As Priory has taken a very intentional look at the way Benedictine spirituality is present in the school, one program that has seen a lot of development and expansion over the past few years is class retreats. These opportunities for students to get away from the daily noise and routine offer many opportunities for spiritual enrichment and personal growth, as well as that chance to just breathe.

“ It’s important to get off campus, put your phone down and really just be away from your daily worries and concerns and routine.” — St. Anselm Parish Youth Minister Courtney Rockamann

St. Anselm Parish Youth Minister Courtney Rockamann, already a familiar face to many of our students, joined the school staff as Retreat Coordinator in 2019. In that role, Rockamann develops content, programming and activities, and works with Human and Spiritual Formation Coordinator Carrie Lane on the logistics and planning for each event. She also works with the Chaplaincy Team, a group of faculty and staff members who also work on content for our Wednesday morning all-school prayer assemblies and other campus ministry programming. “The team approach gives us a more broad-based view of what each class needs from their time away from campus,” Rockamann says. “We get feedback from more teachers and members of the community who are in contact with each particular group of students day in and day out, so we have a better idea of how these events can be productive and enriching, while still holding to the themes and ideas that we think are important for students at that moment in their high school career.” Allowing students to hear from their peers and teachers in a way they don’t necessarily expect is another benefit to the team approach. “We’re trying to harness the power of the community and the sense of trust and respect that already exists here,” Rockamann says. “Sometimes things stick more when you hear them from another student, or a teacher you look up to, or an alumnus who’s been through what you’re going through.” The Chaplaincy Team is working on making the retreat program more comprehensive and consistent, so that, for example, each class has a similar freshman retreat when they are in 9th grade, with particular themes and emphasis areas and activities. Those themes and points of emphasis can be applied in different ways or through different programs, though, if a class has a particular need or has been through a difficult experience.

There is, however, a consistent theme in retreats for students in every grade level. “The biggest messaging for each of these kids has to be that he has value and he has worth, and that he has a calling that he has to discover and live up to,” Rockamann says. “Priory asks so much of them — in a good way! — and at a retreat, you can just be who you are in that moment, and know that you’re good as you are, wherever you are in that journey of self-discovery.”

Father Cuthbert celebrates Mass with the class of 2022 during their senior retreat at the La Salle Retreat Center in January.

One major difference in the retreat program recently is that each class now attends an overnight, off-campus retreat once per year, an experience that was previously only offered to seniors (and, later, to juniors as well). “The students’ time is so overscheduled now, and they don’t often get a chance to truly ‘retreat,’ in the sense that Jesus talked about in Mark’s Gospel,” she says. “It’s important to get off campus, put your phone down and really just be away from your daily worries and concerns and routine. That gives your mind and heart space to be ready for something different.”

Freshmen write a letter to their future selves during their retreat. The letters are returned to them to read during their senior year.

What has stayed the same in class retreats, however, is a commitment to mirroring the monastic life and Benedictine spirituality through prayer of the Divine Office, time for Lectio Divina, and the celebration of the Mass. Moving forward, in addition to the more comprehensive view of the retreat program, the Chaplaincy Team has goals of bringing campus ministry into more areas of school life, including more small-group settings like form meetings, advisories and sports teams. They’re also looking at the possibility of some all-school retreat and service experiences to synthesize what the students learn in the Theology classroom, what they think about on a retreat, and what they can actually do in their communities.

7th and 8th graders participate in team building activities during their retreat at Camp Ondessonk in southern Illinois last fall.

“In the end, we want the kids to recognize that you can always make the ordinary extraordinary,” Rockamann says. “The Holy Spirit is always present, and sometimes they don’t recognize that even when we talk about some of these topics in a way that’s not overtly religious, the faith and spirituality are still there. In a lot of ways we’re changing the students’ perception of what a retreat really is.”

Members of the Class of 2022 enjoy a game of knock-out during downtime at their retreat in January.

FA C U LT Y S P O T L I G H T

Priory Faculty Member E N T E R S

D I A C O N A T E

P R O G R A M

ne of the ways our faculty members set an example for our students is by showing how they can wear many hats in their various roles in the school. For one theology teacher, he’ll soon show them you can wear a collar too. Steve Zaegel joined the Priory community in 2017, and this past fall he entered the Archdiocese of St. Louis’ formation program for the permanent diaconate. If all goes as planned, God willing, he’ll be ordained in 2026, at the end of a five-year process. Zaegel began to consider the idea of the permanent diaconate in 2015. He was involved in the Knights of Columbus and ACTS Retreats at his parish, St. Joseph’s in Manchester, and in a prison ministry program. “I started to feel like I wanted to get more involved in the life of the Church, and in the service of God and his people,” he says. He spoke to another member of the Knights who was in formation, who said it had been a good education that helped him deepen his relationship with God. After that, Zaegel began considering the program more seriously. He attended an information session in 2019 and learned that a new cohort began the program every two years. His cohort of 10 candidates started their formation in fall of 2021.

The program is both academic and practical. Over the course of the five years, Zaegel and the other members of his cohort will take classes on scripture, theology, church history, morality, and the Catechism. They’ll also have courses on giving homilies, the mechanics of sacramental ministry, and practical training in ministries like hospital and prison outreach. “It’s academic because they want us to know the faith and how to share it, but the spiritual formation and practical application is also a key component,” he says. “When you think about what a deacon does, it’s a lot more than just being a Sunday minister. There’s no shortage of ways a deacon can be involved in the spiritual life of this Archdiocese.” While being a teacher on campus and a student in the formation process presents challenges, Zaegel has found it a balance he’s been able to maintain so far. He has the support of his family (his wife must sign off on his continuing the formation each year, and on his eventual ordination!) and has also found that the coursework is helpful to his teaching. “I’m inspired to use certain methodologies from the classes I’m taking in my own teaching here at Priory,” he says. “In the Fall, my catechism class was covering the same things I was teaching my sophomores. And while we weren’t covering the material at the same level, I could still bring in some of the strategies for how to convey the important points.”

Steve Zaegel with his wife, Emily

DONOR PROFILE

Father Establishes Endowed Fund to Honor Son Transforming lives — that’s what Pat Busch hopes to do by having established an endowed fund in his late son’s honor Bob Busch, a member of the Class of ’95, started his education at Priory in the seventh grade. He had a love for Priory – both the school and his friends – that was exceptional and notable. “Bob made lifelong friends at Priory, and he enjoyed the academic rigor,” says Pat. “I came from a family of eight siblings, and my parents couldn’t afford to send us to a private Catholic school. We wanted Bob to get a great Catholic education with high morals as a foundation. So, we sent him to Priory to reinforce what we were doing at home.” After Bob’s passing, Pat thoughtfully considered how he wanted his son’s memory to live on. He worked with Priory’s Advancement Office to open an endowed fund in Bob’s memory. Pat and his wife contributed the first $100,000, and the proceeds from a yearly golf tournament will continue to fund the endowment. An endowed fund is an investment fund established by a foundation that makes consistent withdrawals from investment capital or money. It’s typically given to an institution with a stipulation that the principal may not be spent. It is on-going, annual support – many times in someone’s honor. Pat Busch with his son Robert “Bobby” Busch ’95

Priory Brothers “Bob had an incredible ability to relate to people even from a young age,” says classmate Kevin Heaney ’95. “He was an amazing listener and had such empathy. You couldn’t help but become fast friends when you first met him.” Bob graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and then went on to the University of Missouri Law School. Priory alumnus Tim Ferrick ’95 says Bob had a heart of gold. “He was always thinking about his friends and wanted each one of them to become the best version of themselves they could possibly be. He was pretty much the best friend a guy could ask for. We met when we were 6 or 7 years old. We knew each other for over 35 years. You can’t replace a friend like that.”

Priory Education And Benedictine Values Pat says, “The monks and the Benedictine education were very important to us. We wanted that kind of environment for Bob. The monks are a treasure in St. Louis that most people don’t know about. The culture of a good Catholic education is something special. Priory is a place where everyone is welcome. I think it’s the best private high school in St. Louis by far. The academics are untouchable. The type of people they send out into the world is impressive.” Heaney says a Priory education is second to none. “But the real uniqueness of the school are the values that are instilled in the boys that they carry with them for the rest of their lives. No matter where you are in the world, no matter how long it’s been, you can be confident of having a connection with other Priory graduates knowing you have the same values. That’s what is special to me, and it was really special to Bobby as well. Bobby’s legacy is Priory.” 19

Golf Tournament

“ My wife and I wanted to leave a lasting memorial and give back to Priory in honor of Bob. I think he would like that.” — Pat Busch, father of Bob Busch, a member of the Class of ‘95

Bob always attended the Priory annual golf tournament, and he even ran it for a couple of years. He loved sports. Pat thought starting a separate golf tournament to fund the endowment would be a great way to honor and create a legacy for Bob. Five Priory alums are on the planning committee. “My wife and I wanted leave a lasting memorial and give back to Priory in honor of Bob. I think he would like that,” says Pat. “The golf tournament will take place yearly and all net proceeds will go to the Robert Busch Memorial Fund.” The first golf tournament will take place at St. Albans on Thursday, April 28, 2022. Twenty-four foursomes will be available, and the hope is for the event to grow.

Service To Priory There are a multitude of ways that friends of Priory and alumni can support and serve the school, the Abbey, and the monastery. Matt Wagner ’90 got to know Bob while serving on the Priory Alumni Board together. “We grew to be good friends,” he says. “I enjoyed his contagious smile and energy for life. When he was president of the Alumni Board, Bob taught me not to sweat the small stuff.” In establishing the endowment in honor of his son, Pat wants other bright young men to benefit from a Priory education. He says, “Out of tragedy comes something positive for the Priory community, which gave so much to my son and family.” Ferrick said he and Bobby often discussed the importance of giving back to causes that are important to you later in life. “We knew we wouldn’t be where we were in life without our time at Priory,” he says. “Not only was the education exceptional, but the deep foundation in faith we received gave us the strength to handle any of the challenges that life threw at us. Just as important as the education and spiritual nourishment, were the incredible, life-long friends we made at Priory.” He continued, “Never was the importance of friendship more evident than when we lost Bob way before his time. We all had to come together and lean on each other. During that incredibly difficult time, I know I personally rekindled a lot of great old relationships, and that is just one of the gifts Bob gave to us. One of the many.” 20

Ferrick said he is honored to help with the golf tournament. “I think you would be hard pressed to find someone who loved Priory as much as Bob. He loved golf. Raising money to help someone else become a member of the Priory community that Bob loved so much is something he would be extremely proud of.” “This is a way to get together one time a year and celebrate my son’s life and share how he impacted so many,” says Pat. “We wanted to do something to honor his memory. Something that can last for a very long time. Something for him and something that was important to him. There were years where we were awarded tuition assistance, and we want to provide that for other outstanding young men. Bob would be thrilled.” For more information about the golf tournament visit www.birdies4thebuschman.com, or contact Pat Busch at 314.620.9294 or grnharv1@gmail.com. To learn more about establishing an endowed fund, contact the Priory Advancement Office at 314.434.0783 or lrietlague@priory.org.

Class of 1995 10-year class reunion at Priory’s annual golf tournament. Pictured left to right: Tony Gallardo, Mike Corbett, Mike O’Brien, Matt Nagel, Faisal Yasin, Mike White, Bob Busch, Kevin Heaney, Eric Nolte, Tim Ferrick, Tracy Ring

MY DEAR FRIENDS, Greetings to you all! In these days of Covid craziness, we are all moved to cherish those things which most bring us peace: family and friends (however socially distant), faith and community, and above all the love of God poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit that He has given us. For the monks, the past few months have been filled with the usual round of prayer and work, school and community. One noteworthy event was the transfer of their vow of stability of Father Michael, Brother Sixtus and Father Edward to Portsmouth Abbey. Though they had been living there for several years, they remained monks of Saint Louis Abbey. With the transfer of stability, they are now fully monks of Portsmouth Abbey (though they will remain close to us in prayer and fraternal affection). This marks a great milestone for Portsmouth, and I ask you to keep their community in your prayers. The monks here remain healthy and fully engaged in their various duties. I had the privilege of travelling in January to visit the Manquehue Apostolic Movement in Chile, and to assist them in their first-ever “fraternal visit.” It was an opportunity for four monks from various monasteries to listen to what their community had on its mind, and to reflect back to them what we heard and believe is the “mind of the Holy Spirit” for their way forward. It was a very blessed encounter of about a week – and being in Patagonia during their summer was a special treat! As I write this, we are coming close to that blessed season of Lent, when the Church invites us all to deepen our spiritual lives, and to focus on those things that matter most: our relationship with God, and our love for one another. May your Lent be blessed with many graces, and may God lead us all to the glory of Easter Resurrection! Yours in the Lord,

Abbot Gregory Mohrman, O.S.B., ‘76

SA I N T

A N S E LM

Dear Abbey Friends, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas season and are looking with hope to the season of spring! The life of the parish with God’s grace continues to move head. We were able to celebrate the birth of Christ with a regular liturgical schedule this season. Although the numbers in attendance were down from previous years, we were most pleased with this year’s overall attendance. In January, our Director of Youth Ministry, Courtney Rockamann along with four chaperones, shepherded a group of 20 young pilgrims to our nation’s capital for the March for Life. There were some Priory students among her contingent, as well as members of Saint Anselm Parish and surrounding parishes. Each year the parish sends a group to Washington, D.C., where they participate in programming with the Office of Youth Ministry from the Archdiocese as well as attend the March itself. Saint Anselm Parish, in cooperation with the Archdiocese, was also a launch site again this year for a group of buses traveling to Washington for the March for Life. Our Coordinator of Religious Education, Gregory Siemer, along with our Formation Team in the parish, continued our parish-wide formation program with Hanging with the Saints. This program focuses on beatified and canonized Saints of the Church. Hanging with the Saints will spotlight the exemplary life and works of 12 saints along with an explanation of the Church’s process for declaring saints.

Youth Ministry students attend the March for Life in January.

PARISH

N EWS

Each month, parishioners will receive a packet including a biography, holy card, and an invitation to an in-person event at the parish. We’re excited to have some great presenters for these events, including Abbot Gregory and Priory alumni mother Matushka Briggs. Please see our parish website for details. Finally, many of you are aware of the Saint Louis Archdiocesan Strategic Pastoral Plan: All Things New, which went public in late January. The motto comes from the Book of Revelation; The one who sat on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. Saint Anselm Parish will be participating in this plan along with the other parishes of the Archdiocese. The first phase of the five-year plan is focused on evangelization, prayer, discernment, and planning. Saint Anselm Parish will be represented by myself along with members of the parish and parish office. Please keep us and the Archdiocese in your prayers. Thank you for your continued generous support of the Abbey, Saint Louis Priory School, and Saint Anselm Parish. May God continue to bless you and your families,

Father Aidan McDermott, O.S.B.

In January, parishioners at St. Anselm participated in a parish-wide formation program, Hanging with the Saints. They highlighted St. Andre Bessette and made items for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium. Pictured (at top, left to right) at one of the Hanging with the Saints events in January: Parishioner Alyssa Callans, Religious Education Coordinator, Greg Siemer, parishioners Molly Gayou, Audrey Altepeter, Linda Straub, and Director of Youth Ministry, Courtney Rockamann, along with her niece, Marie Dudash

MEM O RI A M

J U LY 1 – D E C E M B E R 3 1 , 2 0 2 1 Gerald Abbenhaus, grandfather of George Halenkamp ’01, Chris Halenkamp ’04, Tim Halenkamp ’06, and Andrew Halenkamp ’10 Cherie Baehler, mother of Jeff Baehler ’07 Louise Belt, mother of Charlie Belt ’77 Edward Calcaterra, parishioner Don Carmody, father of Jon Carmody ’91 James Cittadino, grandfather of Jay Link ’04, Matt Link ’07, and Dr. Drew Link ’10 Dennis Corrington, stepfather of Chris Rehm ’88 and James Rehm ’99 Leonard Dino, grandfather of Grant Dino ’27 and Grayson Dino ’27 Dennis Edison, uncle of Father Aidan Beverly Goettelmann, parishioner Shirley Green, grandmother of faculty member Tim Malecek Scott Hall, son of Steve Hall ’67 Eppie Hallazgo, mother of Jeffrey Hallazgo ’78 Richard Horner, parishioner Bernard Huger ’63, son of Confraters Bernard and Lucie Huger (both deceased); father of Bernard Huger ’94 and grandfather of Justin Nangle ’25; brother of Gregory Huger ’64 and Raymond Huger ’66 Philip Ierardi, parishioner Terry Kelly, a member of the class of 1963

Joseph Kemna, grandfather of Gabe Kemna ’21 and Nolan Kemna ‘17 Emma Kochan, grandmother of Kyle Kitsch ’06 Chris McCurdy, parishioner Jack McEnery, Jr., father of Jack McEnery III ’91, grandfather of Father Peter Fonseca ’07, Philip Fonseca ’08, John Fonseca ’13, Bill Pollnow ’15, Paul Fonseca ’16, Matthew Fonseca ’17, Thomas Fonseca ’18, Joseph Pollnow ’19, and Jack McEnery IV ’20 John Meyers, Jr., father of Bill Meyers ’85 Carmeline Newell, grandmother of Jimmy Newell ’14 and John Newell ’22 Dr. William Ott, father of John Ott ’89 and Thomas Ott ’00 Barbara Ottolini, mother of James Ottolini ’88 Paul Powley, grandfather of Travis Powley ’08 James Rasmussen, father-in-law of faculty member Andrew Davis Will Stoneman, a member of the class of 2021

Anita Vitale, mother of Steve Vitale ’67, Joseph Vitale ’78, grandmother of Donald DiPasco ’92, Peter Vitale ’93, and greatgrandmother of Dominic DiPasco ’25 Stephen Werner, brother of Jay Werner ’81 Helen Whalen, grandmother of Brody Whalen ’21 Peggy Winkelmann, mother of Jim Winkelmann ’86, John Winkelmann ’86, Joe Winkelmann ’87, and Chris Winkelmann ’94 Ralph Zitzmann, grandfather of Brendan O’Meara ’22 Margaret Zwart, mother of Dan Zwart ’94

CA MP U S

ON CAMPUS

NEWS BRIEFS Priory Students Raise Money In Swim Across America Seniors Grant Novak, Nicholas Parafiniuk, and Ben Potter (pictured below) participated in Swim Across America, a charity fundraiser on Alpine Lake in Innsbrook. Each Priory senior swam either one or two miles with a special intention in mind. The students collaborated with swimmer friends from Visitation Academy and CBC to create a team that cumulatively raised $9,213 for cancer research, prevention, and care in St. Louis.

Medieval Arts Students Tour Monastery Longtime Medieval Arts instructor and Guild moderator Brother Symeon Gillette, O.S.B., guided Priory Medieval Arts students and Guild members on a tour of the monastery. He shared stories of his own and his students’ work in the monk’s chapel, library, and cafeteria. “They asked many questions and loved hearing the stories behind the pieces,” said Mary Claire MacDonald, current leader of Priory’s Medieval Arts Program. The one-of-a-kind program features both stained glass and calligraphy.

Brother Symeon Gillette, O.S.B. guides students on a tour of the monastery.

Tutoria Program Builds Brotherhood Tutoria is a program modeled on that of the Benedictine Manquehue Apostolic Movement in Chile and is one of the ways our older students mentor their younger peers through their first few years at Priory. Once a week, high school tutors lead small groups of Form I and Form II students in the practice of Lectio Divina, a close and reflective reading of scripture. Afterward, they take time to play games and spend some leisure time together. Two students tour artwork in the monastery.

Tutoria students spend time together outside.

CA M P U S

National Merit Semifinalists

Congratulations to Priory’s National Merit Semifinalists from the Class of 2022. There are approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program out of more than 1.5 million students who took last year’s PSAT. Semifinalists can continue in the competition for approximately 7,500 different NMSP college scholarships. Pictured left to right, with Father Cuthbert: Cedric Bruges, Wyatt Lewis, Matthew Broder, Thomas Daniel, Ryan Lally and David Sadasivam.

National Merit Commended Students Congratulations to our five seniors who received commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program. Commended students scored in the top 50,000 out of the 1.5 million students who took the 2020 PSAT. Pictured left to right, with Father Cuthbert: J.P. Schuster, Danny Renetzky, Matthew Roxas, Tariq Jassim and Will Azrak. When joined by our six National Merit semifinalists, these students make up a total of 11 seniors who have been recognized by the National Merit program this year.

Dead Man Walking National Merit Commended Students

Priory’s fall play was “Dead Man Walking.” The show is based on a book by Sister Helen Prejean, C.S.J., an internationally known human rights activist, about her experiences as a chaplain on death row.

Priory Students Compete In State Theatre Competition Several Priory students competed in the state theatre competition at McCluer High School, bringing home some impressive results: •S ophomore Andrew Frei and junior Gareth Schuster earned an “Excellent” rating in Duet Musical. • Senior Liam Avioli earned an “Excellent” in Short Film. Dead Man Walking cast members

•A violi, Schuster, Frei, and sophomore Asher Sharp competed in the Improv Intensive category and were one point away from a “Superior” rating and qualifying for nationals. •P riory’s summer show, “She Loves Me,” was announced as one of the top five musicals submitted, and the fall play, “Dead Man Walking,” was a top-10 play.

Andrew Frei, Gareth Schuster, Liam Avioli, Asher Sharp

Matthew Goss Named Nussbaum Music Scholarship Winner This year’s recipient of the Nussbaum Music Scholarship is Matthew Goss. For his audition piece, Matthew played two movements from Sonatina Op. 36, No. 2 by Muzio Clementi. The Nussbaum Music Scholarship, established in 1973 by the generosity of St. Louis musician Mrs. Frederick Nussbaum, is awarded annually to one student in Form I.

Evan Hugge Receives Archdiocese Of Saint Louis Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Model Of Justice Award Junior Evan Hugge is Priory’s recipient of the 15th annual Archdiocese of Saint Louis Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Model of Justice Award. Evan is involved in START – St. Louis Teens Aid Refugees Today and Welcome Neighbor STL, organizations which help settle the newest St. Louisans who come to the United States from difficult situations. Evan and the other honorees were recognized at a special Mass with Archbishop Rozanski on Sunday, Jan. 16.

Evan Hugge

Andrew Singer Named National Hispanic Scholar Senior Andrew Singer was one of this year’s College Board National Hispanic Scholar honorees. The program recognizes approximately 5,000 Hispanic/Latino students each year from among the more than 400,000 who take the PSAT/NMSQT exam. Students who receive this recognition become eligible for scholarships and programs through the schools to which they apply.

Sam Palka Named Priory’s Junior School Spelling Bee Champion Form II student Sam Palka is Priory’s Junior School spelling bee champion. He now has the opportunity to compete in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch regional spelling bee later this spring.

Andrew Singer

Matthew Goss

Sam Palka

CA M P U S

Scholar Bowl Ends Season With First Place Match Priory’s team took first place in the Private School League Scholar Bowl Tournament. Pictured left to right: juniors Evan Hugge and Riley Carlin, and seniors Cole Polley, Matthew Broder and Ryan Lally. Their overall record was 11-1. Polley took 3rd place individually, and Hugge 5th place. The JV team (freshmen Sam Faust, Thomas Rempe and Charlie Schanbusch) took 5th place, and had several new players playing for the first time. Their overall record was 5-3. Schanbusch took 1st place individually.

STUCO Food And Blood Drives A Huge Success STUCO sponsored advent food and blood drives were a huge success. As a school community, more than 1,250 pounds of food were collected for the St. Louis Area Foodbank, which provided 1,025 meals to those in need. Together with Visitation Academy, the schools were able to collectively raise enough for 3,156 meals. At the blood drive, 14 units of blood were collected for those in need.

Studio Art Students Welcome Abbot Gregory To Mural Project Form IV Studio Art students welcomed Abbot Gregory into their hellscape – a year-long mural project - for conversation and cookies. Throughout the process of painting their 21st century interpretation of hell, questions continue to arise regarding what imagery is consistent with the Church’s understanding of hell. Drawing on his knowledge of Catholic doctrine as well as western literature’s depictions of hell, the Abbot answered the boys’ wide-ranging questions with clarity and depth. Their questions revealed curiosity at the intersection of theology, philosophy, literature, and art. If hell is experienced after death, then how is color, or any sensation perceived? If hell is not a physical place, but a state of being, how can that be recognized and painted? What an excellent challenge for these talented young men.

N E W S TA F F Carla Arnett joined the Priory team as the morning receptionist. Most recently she worked as a receptionist at Laclede Groves, and has 28 years of experience as an office assistant and administrative assistant at the Brentwood School District. Matt Barrett ‘95 joined Priory as a long-term substitute in October to teach Spanish and assist with other duties. He has since accepted a full-time permanent position at Priory. Not only is Barrett an alumnus, but he was also a faculty member from 2000 to 2011. Fluent in Spanish, he has a Master of Arts degree in Spanish literature and has spent extensive time in Spain. Gary Eagen is Priory’s new assistant wrestling coach. He spent five years teaching and coaching in his hometown of Kirksville, three years as the head wrestling coach. His team finished second in State during his final year there, and he was named Class 3 Coach of the Year. Eagen also spent 13 years in the Francis Howell School District, 10 years at Northwest R1 High School, and after retiring ran a small gym until 2019.

Carla Arnett

Matt Barrett ‘95

Gary Eagen

Lise Riet-Lague

Katie Russell

Mallory Setzekorn

Lise Riet-Lague joined Priory as the new assistant head of school for mission advancement. She was previously at Chesterfield Montessori School where she served in various capacities over the last decade as director of marketing, director of admissions, director of advancement, and most recently the assistant head of school. She holds degrees in English literature and fine arts, with minors in public relations, communications, and marketing, and a concentration in languages. Katie Russell is the new director of human resources. She comes to us from Straub’s Fine Grocers, where she served as the company’s director of human resources since February 2018. During her tenure at Straub’s, she ran an HR department of one for 350 employees covering six locations in the Saint Louis area. Originally from Saint Louis, she spent eight years working in HR for various companies in Nebraska, Illinois, and Iowa before returning home to St. Louis with her husband and children. Mallory Setzekorn is the new afternoon receptionist. Her background includes working in early childhood education. She worked as a preschool teacher’s assistant for 10 years prior to taking some time off to stay home with her children.

CA M P U S

FA L L S P O R T S R E C A P Cross Country

Pictured at the district cross country competition in Linn, Missouri, left to right: freshmen Justin Nangle and Matthew Singer, sophomores Nick DeHaven, Gregory Britt, Gage Huesgen, senior Ryan Lally, juniors Yuri Batan and Evan Hugge, sophomore Alejandro Behrman, and senior Matthew Roxas.

The Priory cross country team had an exhilarating season. Under the guidance of new coaches, Coach Andrew Scott and Coach Tremaine Bobo, both the team and individual levels were successful. Both the varsity and JV teams won several meets and set numerous personal records. Going into the postseason, the team of Ryan Lally, Matthew Roxas, Evan Hugge, Yuri Batan, Greg Britt, Andy Behrman, Nick DeHaven, Gage Huesgen, Matthew Singer and Justin Nangle competed in Linn, Missouri, with the goal of being one of the top four teams to qualify for the state championship. The team achieved its goal of competing in the state meet, where all of Priory’s runners had their best times of the season. Two runners — Nick DeHaven and Yuri Batan — had top-50 finishes. Honors All-District

All-Conference

• Greg Britt ’24 • Nick DeHaven ’24 • Ryan Lally ’22

• Yuri Batan ’23 • Greg Britt ’24 • Nick DeHaven ’24

Football

Sophomore Andy Behrman and senior Matthew Roxas participate in a cross country meet held at Forest Park.

The regular season wrapped up and the football Ravens finished with a 6-3 overall record. Highlights from the season included a decisive victory over Westminster, and a nail-biting, one-point win over John Burroughs in the last minute of the game. Captains Jahaad Fort, TJ Soriano, Henry Weas and James Wong successfully guided the team throughout the ups and downs of the season and were prepared to go on a run in the playoffs. Fort was one of the leading receivers in the St. Louis region. So, too, was junior Quarterback Gerard Grewe in passing yards, passing TD’s, and rushing TD’s. In the postseason, the football team won its district quarterfinal and semifinal games against Salem and St. James; however, they came up short in the district championship against Owensville. The season ended with a record of 8-4. Honors All-State • Jahaad Fort ’22 (Second Team – Defensive Back)

Junior quarterback Gerard Grewe hands the football off to senior Quentin Wilmes.

Academic All-State • Tommie Kraemer ’22 • Miles Pim ’22 • David Sadasivam ’22 • Henry Weas ’22 • James Wong ’22 All-Metro • Jahaad Fort ’22 (Third Team – Wide Receiver) All-District • Jahaad Fort ’22 (First Team – Wide Receiver/Defensive Back) • Nolan Glaus ’24 (Second Team – Defensive Line) • Gerard Grewe ’23 (Second Team – Quarterback) • Mark Parent ’23 (Second Team – Linebacker) • Drew Steinhubl ’22 (First Team – Kicker) • Henry Weas ’22 (First Team – Offensive Line) • James Wong ’22 (Second Team – Kick Returner)

Junior Sam Reese with some great footwork in Priory’s game against Lutheran North High School.

All-Conference • Luke Flavin ’22 (Honorable Mention – Offensive Line) • Jahaad Fort ’22 (First Team – Defensive Back) • Nolan Glaus ’24 (Second Team – Defensive Line) • Gerard Grewe ’23 (Second Team – Quarterback/Punter) • Mark Parent ’23 (Honorable Mention – Linebacker) • Drew Steinhubl ’22 (Second Team – Kicker) • Henry Weas ’22 (First Team – Offensive Line)

Soccer With the leadership of Priory’s four seniors, co-captains Will Glarner, James Hamill, Max Herr and Ryan Lally, it was an enriching varsity soccer season of personal and team growth and development. In a season with frequent disappointments on the scoreboard (7-12-1, 2-4 Metro League), many younger and inexperienced players gained valuable varsity playing experience. The team prepared for the postseason with a first-round district game against CBC, the #3 ranked large school in the area.

Priory’s soccer team captains on Senior Night pictured left to right: Will Glarner, James Hamill, Max Herr and Ryan Lally

The soccer team’s season ended with a loss to CBC in districts. Honors Academic All-State • Ryan Lally ’22 All-Conference • A.J. Buckalew ’23 (Honorable Mention) • Michael Clark ’23 (Second Team) • Patrick Hamill ’24 (First Team) • Thomas Journagan ’23 (Honorable Mention) • Ethan Lewis ’24 (First Team)

Priory Early Decision students enjoyed shooting hoops with the varsity basketball team and getting to know one another before a game in January.

A DVA N C E M E N T

Back To The 90’S Trivia Night This year’s trivia night was sold out and a huge success. Supporters of Priory came together to test their knowledge of all things from the 1990s. The exciting event raised $14,014 – the most money ever raised at a Priory trivia night in support of Xanadu. Mothers’ Club member Stacey Bealke (Adam ’24 and Walker ’27) did a great job planning the in-person event, and she also wrote all the questions. Thanks to Stacey and her amazing group of volunteers.

Annual Mothers’ Club Christmas Boutique The annual Priory Mothers’ Club Christmas Boutique was a holiday spectacular attended by more than 200 people. The 33 vendors provided a wide variety of treats and treasures to start the holiday shopping season. During lunch, Priory students in Mrs. Allee’s Music Club entertained attendees with beautiful music. Current moms, alumni moms, and Abbey friends enjoyed a wonderful day of food and friendship. Co-chairs Julie Wagner (John ’20 and Charlie ’24) and Colleen Wasinger (Andrew ’22 and Alex ’20) provided outstanding leadership and organization for the third year in a row to make it an unforgettable day. Revenue increased 51 percent over 2019’s boutique.

Mothers’ Club Fall Mass And Luncheon Priory moms enjoyed Mass celebrated by Headmaster Father Cuthbert Elliott, O.S.B., ’02, prior to a luncheon held in the St. Anselm Centre. The special guest speaker was Father Augustine Wetta, O.S.B. He spoke on the subject, “Peace Be With You: How to Restore Peace to Our Homes Post-Covid.”

Senior Tie Project Each year, Priory senior parents collaborate on the Senior Tie Project. A tie is collected from each student during his junior year. According to Nicholas Parafiniuk ’22, the ties were made into a quilt until 2017. In 2018, the project switched to a piece of art. The labor of love took over 200 volunteer hours. “This year the inspiration came from all the amazing trees around our campus. Trees are a symbol of life, and they are mentioned continuously throughout our Bible including the first page of Genesis and the last page of Revelation,” says Monika Parafiniuk. “Trees bring blessings, nourishment, shelter, strength, beauty, and triumph. Our Priory Class of 2022 tie artwork is filled with beautiful symbolisms as well. The strong roots stand for our boys’ deep spiritual foundation that comes from the Bible.

The muscular trunk stands for a solid upbringing that includes our boys’ strong formation. The branches represent the diversity of humanity and the different directions that our boys will take in life. Some of the branches come together to form two hearts. These loving shapes serve as a recognition of the two greatest Commandments of God as they relate to our boys’ relationship with themselves and others. Last but not least, the leaves made out of our boys’ ties with their names embroidered represent our boys’ individuality as each Priory graduate is God’s unique gift to this world. The color gold is intended to be used throughout the artwork including the roots and trunk as a gentle symbol of Christ’s presence.”

Xanadu 2022 The Priory community came together, in-person, on February 5 for Xanadu Tropical Nights 2022. The event was chaired by Julie Margiotta (Michael ’21, Ryan, ’23, Tommy ‘28) and Melanie Ramey (Jack ’22). The evening provided a sun-drenched destination in the Priory multi-purpose gym. For the first time in Xanadu history, we held a hybrid event where the community could attend in-person or participate in the auction via livestream. Thank you to all who attended, volunteered, or donated to Xanadu.

Abbott Gregory with former Assistant Director of Special Events, Lisa Brnjac

“The Spice Girls” at trivia night – from left to right: Maggie Eisenbeis, Michelle Petri, Molly Edwards, and Courtney Harrison

Christmas Boutique

Pictured left to right enjoying the fall luncheon. Front row: Carol Loftus, Shelley Lane, and Jen Glassmeyer. Back row: Susie Haskell, Lori Willard, Laura Villa, and Abigail Willie

Father Augustine Wetta, O.S.B. at the fall Mass and luncheon

Senior Tie Project

Dr. Andrew Davis emcees Xanadu 2022.

A DVA N C E M E N T

Form I Father & Son Washers Tournament In August, the Fathers’ Club welcomed incoming Form I fathers and sons for the annual Washers Tournament, held on the Switzer Lawn and hosted by the Fathers’ Club. The event provided a great way for the fathers and sons to get to know each other before classes began in the fall.

Fall Happy Hour Priory dads enjoyed a fall happy hour at Annie Gunn’s. The food was delicious and the conversations lively as the dads mixed, mingled, and got to know one another. Hosted by Annie Gunn’s owner and alumni father Thom Sehnert and the Fathers’ Club, attendees enjoyed complimentary drinks and appetizers.

S AV E T H E D AT E Father & Son Banquet The Fathers’ Club Annual Father & Son Banquet is planned for 6 p.m., March 27 at the Missouri Athletic Club.

Senior Father & Son “Finish Line” BBQ The Father & Son “Finish Line” BBQ is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22 in the multipurpose gym.

Form I father and son John and Austin Kovac enjoying the Washers Tournament.

Form I students get to know each other at the Washers Tournament. Pictured left front to back: Jake McAtee, Grayson Dino, Andrew Harrison, and Thomas James. Right front to back: Joseph Frei and Jonathon Sadasivam.

Chic Boutique Gift Gathering Parties Once a part of Xanadu, always a part of Xanadu for Priory Alumni Mothers. Gift gathering parties were a huge success this year as alumni and current moms gathered to bring donations for the Chic Boutique section of Xanadu.

Alumni Mothers’ Club Fall Dinner And Mass Priory alumni mothers gathered in October for the fall dinner and Mass. Prior Cassian Koenemann, O.S.B., ’97 provided guests with an inspirational message about the need to rely on grace in the spiritual life. All alumni mothers are invited to join the AMC. The purpose of the AMC is to promote the goals of the Abbey and the school, strengthen the ties with the monastic community, build a deeper spiritual link with the Benedictine tradition as lived by the monks, and create a strong bond among alumni mothers. Thank you to Mary Catherine Leeker, president of the Priory Alumni Mothers’ Club, for her leadership this year.

ALUM N I

ON CAMPUS

Homecoming and Reunions It was a busy weekend on campus October 22 and 23. Those classes celebrating milestone reunions were welcomed to Mass and a reception on Friday, October 22. They were joined by the monks and former faculty. The rain held off on Saturday and the Alumni Board provided a BBQ lunch for more than 300 alumni, students, and families.

Class of 1970 Reunion Members of the Class of 1970 held their 51st reunion on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 8 and 9. The gentlemen enjoyed cocktails on the Switzer Lawn, followed by dinner in the Dining Hall. On Saturday, couples enjoyed dinner off-site. The alumni regaled their dates with fond memories of Priory. Thank you to Joe Gazzoli, Jon Igoe and Tom Plunkert for their help with planning the reunion.

Pull For Priory Priory’s Alumni Board hosted Pull for Priory, a sporting clays competition, in September. Proceeds raised from the event benefit the Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund, which provides tuition assistance for Priory students. The tournament and cocktail reception were held at Strathalbyn Farms in Weldon Springs.

Alumni Around Town New York Abbot Gregory Mohrman, O.S.B., ’76, Father Cuthbert Elliott, O.S.B., ‘02, and Assistant Head of Mission Advancement, Lise Riet-Lague, traveled to Manhattan in December to meet with our alumni and friends living in the New York City area. They spent a lovely evening at The Yale Club of New York. Father Michael Brunner, O.S.B. and Father Edward Mazuski, O.S.B. ’05 also attended from Portsmouth Abbey. A wonderful evening of fellowship was enjoyed by all.

Priory Alum Receives Papal Cross Of Honor For Service To Church Deacon Gerry Quinn ’64 received the Pro Eccelsia et Pontifice Cross in January for his long career of church ministry. Pope Francis awarded Quinn the honor with a diploma and insignia after Mass on January 19 at the Cardinal Rigali Center. The Papal Cross of Honor is awarded to laypeople and clergy for distinguished service to the Church. Quinn’s service has spanned more than 41 years. He served as a permanent deacon and canon lawyer. Quinn graduated from Priory in 1964 and attended Cardinal Glennon College for three years to discern a call to the priesthood. After leaving the Seminary, he finished 36

his degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia and took a position teaching history and theology at Helias High School in Jefferson City. It was there where he met his wife JoAnn and they married in 1975. A year later, he began his formation in the diocese of Jefferson City. He was ordained to the permanent diaconate in December 1980. “My time at Priory was foundational to the rest of my story. I got my sense of service to the church as a student at Priory in my four years there,” says Quinn. Quinn devoted much of his career to canon law work. In 1984, he and his family moved back to St. Louis where he served on tribunals for St. Louis, Chicago, Springfield, Indianapolis, San Antonio and Washington, D.C. In addition to teaching at Priory (1974-76), he also taught at Ursuline Academy and St. Louis University High School. “I truly value my Benedictine background,” Quinn added. “I still practice reading a piece of the Rule of Saint Benedict every day. The monks read the Rule in its entirety three times a year. I practice this as well. To accomplish this, it is divided up into small sections to read every day.” Quinn is now retired, but still occasionally helps at the Appellate Tribunal for the Province of St. Louis and spends time at the Regina Cleri home for retired priests. He and JoAnn are parishioners of St. Mary Magdalen Parish in south St. Louis, where he spent many years as deacon. The Quinns have two adult children and three grandchildren, all living outside of St. Louis.

Alumni Establish Networking Group Four Priory alumni have established The Apricus Society, a mentorship network for current students and alumni interested or involved in highly competitive business careers, such as investment banking, management consulting, private equity, big tech, and venture capital. Aris Sevastianos ’15, Patrick Milburn ’17, Sohan Kancherla ’18, and Will Noddings ’18 founded the group in October, and it has grown to more than 40 alumni members spanning classes from 1979 to 2020. With collective experience across mergers and acquisitions, corporate strategy, and multimillion-dollar growth financing, younger and older alumni are excited to pave the way as mentors for Priory’s next generation of students. The group is planning for long-term growth. They plan to open membership to the current student body this spring, appoint an upperclassmen leadership committee, and plan outings to offices of local alumni. For more information, contact Aris Sevastianos ’15 at aris.c.sev@gmail.com.

Alumni BBQ Lunch

Class of 1970 Reunion

Pull for Priory

Father Cuthbert Elliott, O.S.B., ’02 with Michael W. Simpson ’02

Pictured left to right: William R. Fair ’81, Joseph A. Wagner ’09, Abbot Gregory Mohrman, O.S.B., ’76, and Alex Hudgens

Deacon Gerry Quinn ‘64

A DVA N C E M E N T

Voices From the Upper Room by Father Dominic Lenk, O.S.B. Released in December, Voices From the Upper Room was written by our own Father Dominic Lenk, O.S.B. He poses the question: Just who were those people gathered in the Upper Room during the three days between the crucifixion and the resurrection? Father Dominic imagines all the people gathered during those dark hours. United in a shared grief and striving to make sense of what they have experienced, these same people are united in prayer and in the breaking of the bread in imitation of the Lord Jesus. Yet at the same time they watch and wait and pray. You can find the book on Amazon or from the publisher, Enroute.

The Grace of “Nothingness” by Father Cassian Koenemann, O.S.B., ‘97 In the early twentieth century, Blessed Columba Marmion’s dogmatically grounded spiritual theology, expressed in artful prose, set the Catholic world on fire. A century later, in The Grace of “Nothingness,” Father Cassian seeks to rekindle that fire for a new generation with his inspired presentation of Marmion’s key spiritual insights. To this task he brings a monk’s sensitivity to friendship with God, a schoolteacher’s focus on the fruits of theology, and a spiritual theologian’s attentiveness to grounding it all in proven sources. Marmion reminds us that God heals and perfects us to the extent we allow him to do so, but that we often block that transformation through prideful, “self-reliance,” trying to solve our problems by our own efforts. If only we place our confidence in God, however, we will receive the grace we need. You can find the book on Amazon or from the publisher, Angelico Press.

earned his master’s degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis and worked in child welfare agencies. He married his wife Jean, and they have three children. In 2001, Priory hired O’Connell as a part-time Spanish teacher. Later he was offered a full-time position. While teaching, he earned a master’s degree in Spanish literature from Saint Louis University. O’Connell was chosen as class mentor by the Priory senior study body last year. He will be missed. Thank you for your dedication to Priory and our students.

Using MOST for Priory Tuition Changes to federal law expanded MOST, Missouri’s 529 Savings Plan. Missouri taxpayers can use MOST 529 assets to pay for private school K-12 tuition up to $10,000 per year per student without tax consequences. Families should consult with their tax advisor and consider the benefits of this opportunity that could result in significant tax savings. For more information on Missouri MOST, visit missouriMOST.org.

W AY S T O G I V E T O P R I O R Y Give By Mail Gifts made by check should be payable to Saint Louis Priory School and mailed to: Office of Advancement, Saint Louis Priory School, 500 South Mason Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Give Online Priory.org/give

Señor Kevin O’Connell Retires

Venmo Us

After more than 20 years of service dedicated to the students at Priory, Spanish teacher Kevin O’Connell hung up his teaching credentials after Christmas. O’Connell was born and raised in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. His father’s sudden transfer to Ohio in 1976 meant he spent his last year in high school in the United States. After graduating from Notre Dame, he dabbled in social service work including a 4-year stint in Santiago, Chile. He then

Venmo @STLPriory

Gifts Of Stock By donating appreciated securities or mutual fund shares, you can provide a lasting contribution while receiving tax benefits, such as capital gains tax savings.

Estate Planning Remember Priory in your will or estate plan. Please contact Lise Riet-Lague for more information.

CLASS

N OTES

William H. Vogt ’64 and his wife

celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary. They have three kids and five grandchildren. After retiring almost 20 years ago, Bill has been involved in non-profit board work including being on boards for two communities of people with developmental disabilities. He is also the chairman of planning board and member of the finance committee for the town of Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

James Restelli ’04 married his bride,

Katy McNeil, in Newport Beach. From the class of 2004, pictured from left to right: John Morrissey, Devoy Debuque, Dan Sexton, James Restelli, Chris Leonard, Buzz Staed. Christopher Sobota and Matt Merjavy kneeling.

Dan Reitz ’10 and Elizabeth Kellogg

welcomed Lorelei James Kellogg-Reitz in October. They live in Washington, D.C.

Phil Willman ’71 received the Cardinal

Matt Rhodes ’10 married Katie

Rigali Service Award for his work and service at St. Peter and Paul Parish in Soulard.

Hardiman in St. Paul’s Cathedral in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in October 2021. Many of Matt’s Priory classmates attended the wedding.

Kevin ’09, Brian ’07 and Iggy Yuan ’74

completed a 5K together in Kirkwood. They are pictured here at the finish line.

Kyle Kitsch ’06 lives in Atlanta with his

wife, Emily, and their three daughters. Kyle works at PwC as their director of cybersecurity. Dan Flynn ’06 wed Dr. Ann DeBartolo

in August 2021. Ryan M. Wehking ’08 wed Ellen Gibson

in September 2021.

John Less ’89 lives in Johannesburg,

South Africa with his wife and daughters. He works as a renewable energy specialist for Broad Reach Capital. Matt Barrett ’95 and his wife, Leslie,

had a baby girl in December. They named her Anika Belle. Patrick Thornton ’02 and his wife,

Emily, expanded their family when William Patrick was born in April 2021. George Capps ’03 and his sister Polly

launched Goretti Fine Art, a studio dedicated to creating inspiring sacred and devotional paintings for public and private worship spaces. Ted Horan ’04 and his wife, Sarah,

had their second child in June 2021 and named him Patrick. Ted plans for Patrick to be in the Priory Class of 2040.

Alex Haas ’09 married Kate Dulle in

Colin P. Bruns ’11 and his wife,

St. Louis in July 2021. They live in Webster Groves.

Madeline, had a baby boy in July. They named him Theodore Henry and will call him Trip.

Jim Havel ’09 was engaged to Brittany

in July 2021. She is a pediatric nurse in Philadelphia and will be moving to St. Louis. Mark Havel ’09 married Jamie Cook

in September 2021. Stephen Macke ’09 graduated from

the University of Illinois with his PhD in computer science, and he now lives in Bellevue, Washington where he works for Facebook. John Tabash ’09 lives and works in

Ted Tooley ’12 married Sarah

Cocke in October in Dallas, Texas. Brad Lenke ’12 served as best man and Tommy Yoon ’12 served as a groomsman.

Chicago. He and his wife Angelika had their first child December. Michael R. Hennessey ’09 and his wife,

Danielle, welcomed their first child, Hunter Arthur in November 2021.

Continued on page 42

UNDER CONSTRUCTION S H A R I N G T H E P R O M I S E , S H A P I N G T H E F U T U R E C A M PA I G N U N D E R WAY

If you’ve visited campus recently, you may have noticed activity and construction equipment at the former Junior School. Thankfully, the transformation that is taking place will provide Priory students with a new dedicated Arts and Science building to enrich our curriculum to the highest level, while also providing space to heighten students’ overall experience.

The renovations support Priory’s mission of creating an inclusive, collaborative school atmosphere for all Forms.

The Sharing the Promise, Shaping the Future campaign comprises a 40,000 square foot renovation and includes updating the High School spaces to incorporate a wing for Junior School students and new common spaces.

“Priory is my school and my home,” says Form V student Owen Spore. “I want all the underclassmen and incoming Priory students to have the same wonderful experience that Priory has given me. These additions to campus will make their experience even more special.”

The public phase of the project was launched in October, but the origins date back to the founding of Saint Louis Priory School. It started with a promise.

A light-filled space will house the Medieval Arts Guild and their projects, and a larger enhanced area for robotics will be included in the Arts and Sciences Building.

The founding families of The Abbey of Saint Mary and Saint Louis, and the founding monks from England, made a promise to each other. One that stands today and will continue for generations to come.

“Stained Glass is a natural fusion of math, science, and art,” says Medieval Arts Instructer Mary Claire MacDonald. “Medieval Arts will benefit from the proximity to other disciplines. The craft of stained glass in particular is intimately tied to the architecture of a building, and our new building’s bright and spacious design will complement the work of our craftsmen as they seek to create lasting work that will in part shape and reflect the life of the school.”

The promise says the monks will provide spiritual and educational guidance to the young men that pass through the school, and the families will provide for all the earthly needs of the monastic community. This promise is the cornerstone of our success and the one that will continue to carry us forward. More than five years ago, in order to support the Priory young men well into the future, Priory leaders recognized the school facilities needed to be expanded and updated as the school continued to thrive and grow.

research lab,” Malecek says. “The multiple collaborative areas will encourage thoughtful partnership between students and teachers.”

Priory’s outdoor spaces will be rejunvenated. An amphitheatre will be built with large patio sitting areas for both the Junior School and High School students.

Director of Academic Affairs Tim Malecek said he is thrilled about the opportunities the campaign has to offer Priory students and the community.

“The outdoor theatre space will allow us to enjoy ‘Priory in the Park’ as we move to adding a June theatre performance for our boys,” says Visual and Performing Arts Director Dr. Doug Erwin. “The upgrades to the Kevin Kline Theatre will allow the boys to showcase their incredible talents in a beautiful backdrop.”

“Our students will gain access to upgraded, state-of-the-art lab spaces. They will be encouraged to construct their own experiments and projects in Priory’s dedicated independent

A new outdoor Sundial Classroom will be built outside of the Arts and Sciences building. A “sport court” with a gaga pit will be built in the lawn close to the back of the gym.

“The new renovations will provide my younger brothers with spaces to grow creatively in the arts, academically, and in community with new recreation areas such as the sport court and a new commons space,” reflected senior Nicholas Parafiniuk. The project has received a lot of support from current students, alumni, and faculty alike. James Switzer ’64, a long-time supporter of Priory says, “I came to fully realize the literal truth that, every good thing in my life, my family, my career successes, the true friendships which really matter, my contentment and sense of self worth, my faith life, are all a direct result of my decision, many years ago, to attend the Saint Louis Priory School.” Switzer added, “The power of the exposure to a Benedictine education, Benedictine values, and a Benedictine lifestyle, can be so powerfully life changing, that I am called upon to do everything I can to ensure that the Abbey and its school continue to provide these gifts to future generations.” We hope that you will join us in watching our dream come to life by viewing photos of the renovation project on our website at priory.org. If you would like to support the campaign, please contact Assistant Head of School for Mission Advancement, Lise Riet-Lague, at (314) 434-0783 or lrietlague@priory.org.

LEA D E RS H I P

Monastic Council 2021-2022

Alumni Board 2021-2022

Abbot Gregory Mohrman, O.S.B., ’76 Prior Cassian Koenemann, O.S.B., ’97 Father Dominic Lenk, O.S.B. Father Aidan McDermott, O.S.B. Father Cuthbert Elliott, O.S.B., ’02 Father Athanasius Soto, O.S.B.

Ryan McDonald ‘99, President Alex Borchert ‘02, Vice President Mike Reedy ‘00, Secretary Matt Wagner ‘90, Past President Nick Ahlering ‘04 Teddy Altepeter ‘09 Dave Binz ‘01 Tom Byrne’85 Tom Cummings ‘89 Father Cuthbert Elliott, O.S.B., ‘02 Jim Ferrick ‘87 Dan Flynn ‘06 Rich Francisco ‘86 Charlie Garvin ‘76 Anthony Gennaoui ‘99 Jim Havel ‘09 Kevin Hoffman ‘93 Ted Horan ‘04 Chris Kerckhoff Sr. ‘68 Ted Lane ‘08 Kevin McAtee ‘97 Abbot Gregory Mohrman, O.S.B., ‘76 Gerard Mudd ‘75 Jack O’Brien ‘12 Eric Stange ‘14 Cartan Sumner ‘83 Patrick Thornton ‘02 Ryan Wehking ‘08 Ondray Wells ‘85 Phil Willman ‘71

Board of Advisors 2021-2022 Michael DiMarco, Chair Daniel Bruns Roger Cammon Jerry Dow Lisa Flavin Dr. Charles Garvin ‘76 Dan Leary ‘87 Father Paul McCormick, O. Cist. Ryan McDonald, ‘99 FJ Merenda ‘96 Sheila Michalski Thomas Miller Dr. Alicia Noddings Dan O’Keefe ‘87 Michael Palmer James Switzer ‘64 David Taiclet Philip Willman ‘71 James Wilmsen ‘86

Andrew Wright ‘12 married Leighton

Laville in New Orleans in October. Dr. Will Wright ‘06 was his best man.

Paul Trebing ’17 graduated from

Truman State University with a bachelor’s of science degree in political science. He began working a local law firm, Onder Law LLC. Myles Kee ’21 and Luke Parent ’20,

Buddy Chalfant ’16 lives in Clayton

and is an assistant property manager with 1045 Real Estate.

teammates on the Priory football team, played against one another when Washington University took on Illinois Wesleyan. They are pictured here with Priory Football Coach Jake Parent.

Saint Louis Priory School Leadership Council Father Cuthbert Elliott, O.S.B., ‘02 Headmaster frcuthbert@priory.org Laurie Krieger, CPA Assistant Head of School for Facilities and Finance, CFO of Saint Louis Abbey lkrieger@priory.org Judy Mohan Assistant Head of School for Intellectual Formation jmohan@priory.org Mike Nickolai ‘03 Assistant Head of School for Human and Spiritual Formation mnickolai@priory.org Lise Riet-Lague Assistant Head of School for Mission Advancement lrietlague@priory.org

The Class of 2020 had a mini reunion when Ian Crossey ‘20 visited his Priory classmates for the Notre Dame vs. Naval Academy football game. Pictured here are: Brennan Spellman ‘20, Alex Wasinger ‘20, Ian Crossey ‘20, Luke Braby ‘20 and Jack McEnery ‘20.

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID St. Louis, MO Permit No. 2618

500 South Mason Road St. Louis, MO 63141-8522

S A V Ethe T H Date E DATE Save October

December

Fri., Oct. 25, 5:30 p.m. Reunion Mass & Reception

Wed., Dec. 4, 10:30 a.m. Christmas Boutique

Sat., Oct. 26, 11:30 a.m. Sat., Dec. 14, 7 p.m. • HostedPicnic by the Alumni BoardPriory Christmas Concert Homecoming and Football Game

• Missouri Bluffs Golf Course Sun., Dec. 15, 5 p.m. November • Sponsorship opportunities are available Monks’ Open House Sat., Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m. Trivia Night

February

For more information, visit priory.org/golf Sun., Nov. 10, 12:30 p.m. Sat., Feb. 8, 6 p.m. or contact Lise Riet-Lague at Priory Open House 2020 Xanadu Auction—Rhinestone Rodeo 314.434.3690, for Prospective Familiesext. 323 Sat., Nov. 30, 8:30 a.m. Alumni Interview Workshop Sat., Nov. 30, 7 p.m. Alumni Holiday Reception

F R I D AY,

Thurs.-Sun., Feb. 13-16 Winter Musical “1776”

Mon., Feb. 24, 7 p.m. Cor Jesu/Priory Benefit Concert

JU N E

1 7

PARENTS: If this issue of Priory Magazine is addressed to your son who has established a permanent address, please notify the alumni office of his new address. PRIORYcall MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2019 Please 314.434.3690 ext. 326 or email alumni@priory.org. Thank you.

UPCOMING CLASS REUNIONS

Class of 1969 50th Reunion Friday, Oct. 4, 5 p.m. Switzer House Saturday, Oct. 5, 6:30 p.m. Old Warson Country Club Class of 2014 5-year Reunion Friday, Dec. 27, 7 p.m. Switzer House

Priory Magazine, Issue 7 (Spring 2022)

Articles inside

Father Establishes Endowed Fund to Honor Son

Priory Faculty Member Enters Diaconate Program

Finding Space for the Mind and Heart

“There is more work to be done.”

Being ‘Benedictine’

Priory Alumnus Shares Faith and Love for Alma Mater

CLASS NOTES